Elden Ring is the pinnacle of Soulslike games and FromSoftware’s most ambitious title yet. Inspired by the success of previous games like Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, director Hidetaka Miyazaki was adamant about making certain changes that would help them elevate the genre and their method and approach to game development.
The Soulslike genre was singlehandedly pioneered by FromSoftware and other game developers were bold enough to create original spins of the idea, and Miyazaki was more than okay with it because of the benefits they bring. The success of previous games made by Miyazaki followed a distinct formula that evolved and some themes were considered as the basis moving forward.
Bloodborne Was The Perfect Template For Future Soulslike Games Like Elden Ring
FromSoftware was no stranger to the difficult nature of gaming, they excel in it and are proud of their work. In an interview regarding the launch of the PlayStation exclusive, Miyazaki expressed the significant importance of exploration, difficulty, and online collaboration:
Definitely. That concept won’t change. From the very beginning of this project, the whole premise was to make a serious game for people who like games. On top of that premise, we have a multiple themes throughout the various layers of the game, but three big ones would be “exploring the unknown,” “the feeling of fighting for one’s life,” and “new online elements.
The Soulslike games of FromSoftware are renowned for the open world that fuels the player’s urge for exploration and the difficult enemy bosses. Miyazaki was firm about his decision to avoid giving multiple options for difficulty, he believed the feeling of accomplishment was the true reward.
It is safe to assume that Miyazaki is a man who doesn’t know when to stop is inspired by the passion of players and always reflects on how to make even better games in the future. Miyazaki was well aware of the impact the games he made on the gaming industry and needed to grow along with it to ensure longevity.
Elden Ring Is The Ultimate Soulslike Game
The formula that FromSoftware has come up with has been near perfect with some minor changes to gameplay and making the next title more refined, however, Miyazaki took an extra step for Elden Ring. Incorporating the best parts from Bloodborne which were the open world, incredibly difficult bosses and co-op is a potent mix for their biggest game yet. The one aspect that Elden Ring has perfected and proven compatible with the Soulslike genre is the ability to play with friends.
Co-op was an unlikely feature to be present in a game where players must trek alone and conquer powerful foes, but somehow Miyazaki did it and inspired other studios like Team Ninja and implemented it in their latest game: Rise of the Ronin.
Bloodborne was the best game of its time, and FromSoftware didn’t stop making great games and eventually made Elden Ring. Miyazaki is far from done and could potentially dethrone themselves once more with their upcoming game.
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